bridle

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bridle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bridle are check, curb, and restrain. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Where would check be a reasonable alternative to bridle?

The meanings of check and bridle largely overlap; however, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

When could curb be used to replace bridle?

Although the words curb and bridle have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

When would restrain be a good substitute for bridle?

The words restrain and bridle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bridle The judge also bridled that OPM's acting director, Charles Ezell, and his senior adviser, Noah Peters, did not attend the hearing. Emily Feng, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025 Disney has had major friction with Charter Communications and DirecTV over the past couple of years as those operators have bridled at Disney’s demands for higher fees. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 Though there have been just 15 ballot initiatives that became law in Idaho in more than 112 years, the state GOP has increasingly bridled at successful signature drives, which have led to Medicaid expansion and higher education funding. Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 2025 On the ground, soldiers bridled at having to fight an impossible, unpopular war, and turmoil spread through the ranks. Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bridle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bridle
Verb
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
  • While Congress ultimately controls NASA’s budget, Trump’s goals are to cut its workforce, reduce commitments to the International Space Station, shut down nearly 1/3 of its science missions and focus on moon and Mars plans.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Unlike medications, supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 July 2025
  • Camps nationwide are regulated in a number of ways in order to prevent tragedies.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The state media commentary on blind-box toys is reminiscent of Beijing's regulations on video games in recent years, which were aimed at curbing gaming addiction and unsupervised in-game purchases by minors.
    Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 July 2025
  • Raskin condemned the administration’s efforts to curb public education, contending President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon can’t abolish the agency without congressional approval.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • There have been no recorded shoe bombings, in the sky or on the ground, since passengers and crew subdued and restrained Reid on that 2001 flight.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
  • Crew members and passengers noticed and restrained him.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • When a reporter asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation on Tuesday, President Donald Trump could not contain himself a moment longer.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • The memo also contains a link to about 11 hours of footage of Epstein in his cell released as proof of his suicide—which quickly faced more scrutiny after viewers realized about a minute of footage was missing.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.
    Essence, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • The Fed’s primary role is setting the target federal funds rate, operating on a dual-mandate system to steady inflation and keep employment robust.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Wow spray outranked 14 other anti-humidity hair products and earned the No. 1 spot on our list due to its non-greasy, lightweight formula, long-lasting effects through multiple shampoos, and impressive ability to keep hair sleek and shiny while taming frizz and blocking humidity.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • As much as Red Bull may insist the car is not built around Verstappen, the truth is only the Dutchman has tamed its difficult nature to score regular points.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The homicide figures do not include killings that occurred in self-defense or in other circumstances not measured in Chicago police statistics.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Research tells us that our fans measure MLS by how our teams perform against top clubs.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bridle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bridle. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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